Clare County Council has granted planning permission for a company to build an explosives factory along the Shannon estuary.

Shannon Explosives Ltd is to construct the contentious €10 million plant at Cahercon pier, Kildysart. The council ruled that the plan would not injure the amenities in the area, nor would it be prejudicial to public health.

However, the plan is to be appealed to An Bord Pleanála by the Kildysart Explosives Factory Opposition Group, who said it was prepared to take legal action to stop the factory if necessary.

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"We have opposed the plan for seven and a half years and will oppose it for another seven and a half years if necessary," a spokesman for the group said.

He said the council decision was a "cop-out" and that "it is just passing the parcel to An Bord Pleanála".

"The bottom line is that if it becomes necessary, we will take a legal challenge," he said.

Plans were first lodged for the scheme in 1999 and were first given the green light in January 2001. But, after an appeal was lodge with An Bord Pleanála, permission was overturned in March 2003.

The Whelan Group, who own Shannon Explosives Ltd, have already spent €7 million on the project, which would employ 35 people when operational and contribute €3 million to the local economy.

(VB/JM)